Errand
noun
Definition
A short trip to buy or do something, often for someone else
Context Alive
Saturday morning was always busy for Lisa, who had a long list of things to do before noon. She needed to run several errands around town, starting with picking up her prescription at the pharmacy and ending with buying groceries. By the time she finished everything, she was exhausted but relieved to have the whole afternoon free.
Meanings
1 meaning 1 A Short Trip to Buy or Do Something (Noun) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is about small tasks that require going somewhere. Imagine your mom asking you to run a quick errand to the store, picking up milk and bread before dinner because she’s too busy cooking. This is an errand. You might run errands on your lunch break, or ask a neighbor to do an errand for you while you’re sick. Or picture someone spending their whole Saturday running errands like dropping off dry cleaning and mailing packages. The word suggests quick, practical trips to get things done.
Vivid ExampleBefore the party started, Jake’s mother sent him on a last-minute errand to pick up ice and napkins from the corner store, reminding him to hurry back before the guests arrived.
Examples from the Street
“I need to run a few errands before dinner.”
I have to complete some small tasks around town before the evening meal
“She’s out on an errand — she’ll be back in twenty minutes.”
She’s gone to do a quick task and will return shortly
“Could you run an errand for me? I need this letter posted.”
Could you do a small task for me? I need this mail sent
Common Patterns
run an errand / run errands → go out to complete small tasks
run errands for (someone) → do small tasks on behalf of another person
run a few/some errands → complete several small tasks
run a quick errand → do a brief task
do errands → complete small tasks (less common than “run”)
go on an errand → leave to complete a task
send someone on an errand → ask someone to go and complete a task
be out on an errand → be away doing a task
a quick/short errand → a task that won’t take long
personal errands → private tasks unrelated to work
household errands → tasks related to running a home
everyday/daily errands → routine tasks done regularly
a list of errands → multiple tasks to complete
Collocations
3 collocationsrun errands
go out to complete small tasks
fool's errand
a pointless and wasted effort
quick errand
a brief trip to get something done
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
I need to run a few errands this morning — the bank, the post office, and the dry cleaner’s
I have to complete some small tasks around town this morning — depositing money, sending mail, and picking up clothes.
2
She’s not at her desk — she’s out on an errand for the boss
She’s away from her workspace — she’s gone to do a task for the manager.
3
Could you run an errand for me and pick up my prescription from the pharmacy?
Would you mind doing a small task for me and collecting my medicine from the chemist’s?
4
I spent the whole Saturday morning running errands instead of relaxing
I used up the entire first half of the weekend doing small tasks rather than taking it easy.
5
My teenage son earns pocket money by running errands for elderly neighbours
My adolescent boy makes spending money by doing small jobs for the older people who live nearby.
6
The assistant’s job mainly involves running errands and answering phones
The helper’s role primarily consists of completing small tasks and taking calls.
7
I’ve got a whole list of errands to get through before the guests arrive
I have numerous small tasks to finish before the visitors come.
8
He sent me on an errand to fetch coffee while he finished the meeting
He asked me to go and get hot drinks while he completed the discussion.
9
Working from home means I can do errands during my lunch break
Being employed from my house allows me to complete small tasks during my midday pause.
10
I’ll run a quick errand and be back in ten minutes
I’ll go and do a brief task and return shortly.
Learner Examples
★
Between classes, teachers often have to run errands — collecting photocopies, fetching supplies, and checking messages
In the gaps between lessons, instructors frequently need to complete small tasks — gathering printed materials, getting equipment, and reading notes.
★
Listening to English podcasts while running errands is a great way to practise without dedicating extra study time
Playing audio programmes in the language while doing small tasks around town is an excellent method to improve without setting aside additional learning hours.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
2 items Idioms & Expressionsrun errands — do small tasks or shopping
I need to run a few errands before the shops close.
fool's errand — pointless or hopeless task
Trying to fix that old car was a fool's errand.
Synonyms & Antonyms
4 items
Synonymstask
a small job to be done
chore
a routine task
assignment
something you're asked to do
mission
a task with a specific purpose